National Signing Day: A primer as 'Canes prep for big haul

National Signing Day is upon us and on Wednesday morning, Miami will begin receiving the signed Letters of Intent that will bind top college prospects to the Hurricanes program. We’ll be providing updates throughout the day both on SunSentinel.com and via Twitter.

But heading into the final hours before the big day, here’s a quick look at where Miami’s signing class—which features commitments from 26 prospects—stands now.

In the bag: Miami did a nice job of locking up some of its premier prospects early in the process. The Hurricanes already have nine early enrollees on campus including some of the biggest jewels in their class. Running back Joseph Yearby, defensive end Trent Harris and offensive linemen Trevor Darling and Kc McDermott are already attending classes at Miami. Despite a late visit to Boise State, Chaminade (CA) quarterback Brad Kaaya remains committed to Miami and told the Los Angeles Times earlier this week that he plans to wake up at 4 a.m. Pacific to sign his National Letter of Intent. Miami also got a commitment from dual-threat quarterback Malik Rosier. Lack of depth on the defensive line—particularly at the tackle position—has been an issue for Miami and Hurricanes coach Al Golden set out to fix that, landing St. Thomas Aquinas DT Anthony Moten and a pair of junior college transfers that could play sooner rather than later in Michael Wyche and Calvin Heurtelou. At defensive end, the Hurricanes also picked up commitments from Booker T. Washington teammates Chad Thomas and Demetrius Jackson.

Up for grabs: Miami got one of its most recent commitments last week from New Jersey tight end David Njoku, but the Hurricanes are hoping they have a shot at reeling in previous commitment, Travonte Valentine. Valentine, a defensive tackle out of Hialeah Champagnat Catholic, previously committed to Miami, but re-opened the recruiting process last month and is said to be considering both Miami and LSU. The Hurricanes are also hoping to flip Florida State commit Treon Harris of Miami’s Booker T. Washington. If they land Harris, he’d join teammates Thomas and Jackson, but most recruiting experts expect Miami’s chances to be slim with both Valentine and Harris.

Overall outlook: Once again, recruiting analysts expect this to be a strong class for Miami, one that can get even better if they secure Valentine. The Hurricanes attacked one of their biggest areas of need, the defensive line, while adding depth to the offensive line and possibly finding their quarterback of the future.